Parametrization, Integration and Buildability: Design and Construction of a 50m Span Freeform Roof in Bangkok

Whizdom 101 is a new high-end fully integrated and digital mixed-use development comprising both commercial spaces and residential towers. The centre of the commercial space is covered by the big roof, a 50m span freeform steel roof covered with ETFE, forming an aerated and relaxing space for the pedestrians. Several shapes and structural systems have been explored at early stage of the project to best integrate the roof in its environment. The resulting shape is a quiet and smooth surface providing shade and natural ventilation to the spaces below. Although complex, the geometry was generated to fully take into account the buildability - all the steel members were translated in a language of plates and single radii, comprehensible for the fabricator. Initially made of conical surfaces, the edge beams sections geometry was rationalized through parametric modelling in order to be only made of cylindrical surfaces which are developable and therefore easy to fabricate.